F T/R Competition F-TR and a 308 is tuff, that is a small target

XTR

F-TR junkie
Full Member
Minuteman
  • Sep 4, 2010
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    Lebanon, NH
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    I know there are people out there who are shooting 200s, but for a guy with a 24" tube getting into this game it's tuff.

    Best I've got it figured my 175s push 1MOA per MPH. That's an 8 unless you are dead on the waterline at 1000 yds, then it's an on the line nine. Folks, 1mph is hard to read at least for me. (that and my home range is a consensus bitch for wind calls)

    My scores have been coming up pretty consistently since I started shooting long range a few months ago so the Indian is definitely getting better, but I think i need to start working on the arrows now. I think I'm going to give the Berger 185 a ride and see how they do for me. If I can get them up to the 2650 that I'm pushing my 175 SMKs from my barrel they may be worth it.

    According to JBM with Litz numbers, which are spot on for my 175 load, I'll gain .15 moa in windage per MPH, that's a click on my scope. I don't know if it's enough to make a significant difference, maybe a point or two getting the line at the 9/10 or the occasional 8/9
     
    Re: F-TR and a 308 is tuff, that is a small target

    I'm working on the Berger 185 LR for F/tr with a new Broughton 10 twist. I'll let you know what happens. Walt Berger gives a load of 41.6 grains of Varget and I have heard others say this is a good load. I'm about to find out. Good luck.

    Chris
     
    Re: F-TR and a 308 is tuff, that is a small target

    I've read that you should be shooting for 2750-2800fps with the 185gr HPBT-LR. How possible that is with a shorter barrel I don't know, I'm planning to do it with a 30" 1:11.25 twist Rock barrel.
     
    Re: F-TR and a 308 is tuff, that is a small target

    No shit 79m1a, when Berger supplies load data they do not include brass brands, primer brands, and you have to assume they are talking about loading to saami spec lengths. I'm not saying this is the load everyone should shoot, or that you should like it, just that I'm going to try it because people like Bryan Litz and Walt Berger have shot a lot more than I have and I respect their advice.

    Chris
     
    Re: F-TR and a 308 is tuff, that is a small target

    Seems like you oughtta be able to load the "juggernaut" bullet (as Litz calls it)....the Berger 185 LRBT, much hotter than 41.6gr Varget...

    My Savage 10 handles 42.5gr Varget with a 180smk easily, although 43 is a MAX charge. My buddies savage 12 handles 43.5 MAX. My FN SPR handles 45.5 MAX.

    The bearing length on the 180smk is .462" while the Berger 185LRBT is only .360". I have some to try, but haven't yet. I was going to start at 42.5 for the Savage and 43.5 for the FN.
     
    Re: F-TR and a 308 is tuff, that is a small target

    My suggestion is to go out and have fun. Ask lots of questions and learn to read the wind. I've placed using my SPS Tac with 175smks at 600 and shoot the same load at 1000. Its all about reading the wind and not missing a wind shift mid string. you can do just fine with what you have but just have fun.

    When you actualy want to compeat, Build a F class gun.
     
    Re: F-TR and a 308 is tuff, that is a small target

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: flyboy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My suggestion is to go out and have fun. Ask lots of questions and learn to read the wind. I've placed using my SPS Tac with 175smks at 600 and shoot the same load at 1000. Its all about reading the wind and not missing a wind shift mid string. you can do just fine with what you have but just have fun.

    When you actualy want to compeat, Build a F class gun. </div></div>

    Good advice.
     
    Re: F-TR and a 308 is tuff, that is a small target

    The F TR gun is coming. It'll get built by the end of this yr. I've got a 700 to use the action, I'm going to have Chris Mathews put a 30" Rock 5R with a medium Palma contour on it. The point of my "what stock" thread was to help decide what options are out there mount it in.
     
    Re: F-TR and a 308 is tuff, that is a small target

    A rarely looked at F class stock that great for the purpose it the McRee stocks. It has two options that make it even better for the sport. First is a front plate that adds a few pounds and also extends the for-end a number of inches for more stability (great for riding a bag but your bi pod can also be attached). And a rear bag bar. Again, more weight and is a substantial piece of stock that fits nicely into a set of bunny ears used for rear bags.

    ftr_main.jpg
     
    Re: F-TR and a 308 is tuff, that is a small target

    I shoot a Rem 700 in .308 shooting Berger Fullbore 155.5 gr bullets. These were designed for Palma shooting. I load them in Lapua brass with 46grs. of Varget and on a warm day here in Phoenix I can go 1200 yards supersonic. Oh yea, I am using a 26" 1:13 twist Krieger.
     
    Re: F-TR and a 308 is tuff, that is a small target

    I am thinking of taling the F clas plunge and I was thinking of doing F-TR. My wind reading skills are below average I am sure. Do you think F-TR is more accomodating, you notice I didn't say easier, to a greenhorn than the F open? Thanks I hope this isn't a hi jack, it seemed appropriate.
     
    Re: F-TR and a 308 is tuff, that is a small target

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chain</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I am thinking of taling the F clas plunge and I was thinking of doing F-TR. My wind reading skills are below average I am sure. Do you think F-TR is more accomodating, you notice I didn't say easier, to a greenhorn than the F open? Thanks I hope this isn't a hi jack, it seemed appropriate. </div></div>

    You will probably be on a more consistent playing field by going F-T/R. There is not telling what an F Open guy is going to step up to the line with. At least with F-T/R you will know what you are competing against. You will also be forced to stick to the 308 as opposed to wanting to try the next latest and greatest caliber.
     
    Re: F-TR and a 308 is tuff, that is a small target

    Watching the F-O guys running around with 6.5s or 7mmRSAUM or 284s it's a merry go round. Everyone is watching what won and getting one. F-TR isn't cheap, but F-O looks expensive, but if you're the guy who needs to be constantly changing things then it's a great game.
     
    Re: F-TR and a 308 is tuff, that is a small target

    Ive shot F/TR since it started. The F/OPEN is like you said whats winning now. F/TR you either shoot a 308 or 223. No new winnning caliber or cartrige to have to build
     
    Re: F-TR and a 308 is tuff, that is a small target

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PJAIRFIRE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Welcome to the long range science of load development. Amazing what happens past 900 yards. Good luck. </div></div>

    Gimme a break. F-TR and US Palma loads, barrels, and loading techniques are well understood and documented.

    Never saw anyone shoot a good 1k score sitting at a loading bench, swiping a Visa card, or farting around at a bench with a chrono.

    My 6.5-284 load was arrived at within 8 shots. Single digit SD and ES, 1/3 MOA accuracy, correct velocity for the bullet/barrel length combo were all right there for me using known information about the chambering.

    Once you figure out your powder lot burn rate, you can have a good load together in no time with the 155, 155.5, or 185 .308 pills.
     
    Re: F-TR and a 308 is tuff, that is a small target

    I am shooting in the open class with my tac rifle because it is what i have and it is 260 caliber. Looking at all the extra gear you need to really compete in Open i have been thinking about having a barrel made in 308. But for now i am just shooting to learn the wind. You really cant beat the entry price to have someone score and mark 60 shots at 1k. That instant feedback is phenominal experience.